Are you ready to take ownership of your co-op? Do you have skill sets and time to contribute towards community organizing and opening a retail store? Do you believe in the power of economic democracy, value local producers, and want to help Bethlehem and the surrounding areas thrive as a healthy community? Run for the Bethlehem Food Co-Op Board of Directors!

This October 7th, at our annual meeting, members of the Bethlehem Food Co-Op will elect three board members to serve three-year terms. The board is currently engaged in site negotiation and planning multiple components of our capital campaign, with general manager hiring on the horizon, as well as continuing to refine policy and grow membership. Crucial skill sets for the upcoming term include:

• project management
• capital campaign management
• business finance experience

Specific board positions and descriptions are defined in our bylaws, but all board members are expected to:

• Attend all board meetings and work sessions
• Read agendas, supporting materials, and any other preparatory materials in advance of meetings;
• Attend functions and special events as able (some will be required, and board presence is important at most events but not all board members need to attend all events);
• Represent the board  at a minimum of one event per month (not including standard public, board, or committee meetings);
• Plan one significant event per calendar year (can be done in partnership with other board members);
• Be informed of and able to communicate about the Bethlehem Food Co-Op mission, services, policies, and programs;
• Participate in task forces, ad hoc committees, etc. as needed and offer to take on special assignments;
• Follow through on assigned tasks relating to Co-Op development;
• Make a personal financial contribution to the Co-Op by becoming a full member-owner and by participating at a mutually agreed upon level in fundraising endeavors, including capital campaign.
• Inform others about the Co-op;
• Suggest volunteers, businesses, and/or potential board members who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the Co-op;
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the cooperative business and food realms
• Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies;
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization's annual financial statements;
• Follow all other policies as defined by the bylaws.
• If you are struggling to fulfill obligations or are overwhelmed, communicate honestly with the chair and/or entire board.  If the need to step down arises, give as much notice as possible (preferably at least one month).

Board members should possess the following traits:

• Ability to: listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively, work well with people individually and in a group; able to work on projects and seek answers to questions independently
• Comfortability with technology and/or a willingness to learn to use programs such as Slack and NationBuilder, among others.
• Willing to: prepare for and attend meetings, ask questions, take responsibility and follow through on a given assignment, contribute personal and financial resources in a generous way according to personal circumstances, open doors in the community, evaluate oneself;
• Develop certain skills if you do not already possess them, such as those needed to: cultivate and solicit funds, cultivate and recruit board members and other volunteers, read and understand financial statements, learn more about the substantive program area of the organization;
• Possess: honesty, sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views, a friendly, responsive, and patient approach, community-building skills, personal integrity, a developed sense of values, concern for the co-op's development, and a sense of humor.

If you are interested in pursuing a seat on the Bethlehem Food Co-Op Board of Directors:

• You are invited to attend the Candidate Info Picnic on August 13 at 6:00pm. Email [email protected] to RSVP and for the address. If you cannot attend this picnic, you are strongly encouraged to set up a meeting with a board member to discuss board service.
• You are encouraged to attend the next Board Meeting on August 19 at 6:30pm at the Moravian College Bahnson Center.
• You must submit an application via email to [email protected] by 8/23/2019.
• You are encouraged to participate in filming a brief candidate intro with the Co-Op's volunteer videographer. Arrangements will be made upon receipt of application.